The loud snoring some people make while
sleeping is no joke. Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). OSA, if untreated, can lead to
serious health consequences. The Center
for Sleep Medicine can help those suffering from snoring and sleep apnea. An
estimated 17% of the general population has OSA and the numbers are increasing
with the obesity epidemic.
Snoring occurs when there is a partial
collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The flow of air through this
partially collapsed airway causes tissue vibration. The
partial collapse of the airway occurs when the tongue slips backwards into the
airway during sleep. This blockage can
be caused by the position of the body at rest and muscle tone that gradually
diminishes during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
The incidence of OSA is higher among men
than women until women reach menopause. At and after menopause the incidence of
OSA is the same in men and women. Approximately 70% of people having OSA are
overweight or obese while the remaining 30% are not overweight. Therefore, not all obese or overweight
individuals have OSA and not all people with OSA are obese.
Because snoring is so widespread, new
consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While
individual successes have been reported long-lasting solutions may involve
physical changes including weight loss and exercise.
Sometimes snoring can be addressed by
having a person sleep on their stomach or side.
Nasal strips and antihistamines offer no relief from snoring for those
having OSA.
Snoring may seem funny in a cartoon, but is
no laughing matter to those who must deal with the consequences daily. Seeing a board certified sleep physician at
The Center For Sleep Medicine can put you on a path to end your snoring.
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